Ezekiel 16:20

Authorized King James Version

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּקְחִ֞י
Moreover thou hast taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בָּנַ֤יִךְ
thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בְּנוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙
and thy daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יָלַ֣דְתְּ
whom thou hast borne
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#8
לִ֔י
H0
#9
וַתִּזְבָּחִ֥ים
unto me and these hast thou sacrificed
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#10
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#11
לֶאֱכ֑וֹל
unto them to be devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
הַמְעַ֖ט
a small matter
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#13
מִתַּזְנוּתָֽךְ׃
Is this of thy whoredoms
harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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